Friday, April 1, 2016

A ~ Aeolian Harp

Flipping through the Wood magazine one day in the summer I turned sixteen, I stumbled across the directions to make an Aeolian Harp. I loved how it looked, and reading the description I got more than a little excited. It was intended to be set on the windowsill and the breezes blowing through the open window would play soothing melodies.
Since it was an instrument intended to be played by wind instead of by humans it would be acceptable to have even though we were Amish.
My brother John got right to work and made several of them. They did produce lovely music in the constant summer breezes, but he had tuned them carefully enough that we could play songs on it. Our music starved souls really enjoyed those harps.
Later after LV and I started dating he was impressed with them and wanted to make one too. Armed with our patterns he proceeded to make one.
We still have it. Sadly it's looking a little old by now after having been banished to the top of our china cupboard. Our windowsills don't work to use it in the way intended, and other musical instruments have come along replacing the need to pick out tunes on it.

Beautiful harp and so sweet of your brothers to make them for you. I'm guessing if it was set in the window it would still make beautiful music. I can't imagine living without music, it's a constant in my days.Blessings,Betsy

A lovely concept for a musical instrument, and although I have never heard of it before, I so appreciate handmade anything. I am a quilter and have great appreciation for Amish Quilters and their extraordinary talents. Visiting from the AtoZ List near you...#734.Sue at CollectInTexas Gal